Yash Thakur

Yash Thakur

Role: Bowler
DOB: 28 December 1998
IPL Team (2026): Lucknow Super Giants
Base Price: ₹45 Lakhs

The Story of Yash Thakur

From the dusty grounds of Vidarbha to the glittering stage of the IPL, Yash Thakur’s journey is a testament to perseverance and skill. Born in Nagpur, Thakur honed his craft in the demanding domestic circuit, consistently impressing with his ability to hit hard lengths and extract movement. A right-arm medium-fast bowler, he became a vital cog for Vidarbha in red-ball and white-ball cricket, known for his disciplined lines and knack for breaking partnerships under pressure.

His consistent performances caught the eye of IPL scouts, leading to his breakthrough moment in the IPL 2023 auction. Picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants, Thakur quickly proved his worth. He debuted against Delhi Capitals, showing glimpses of his potential, but it was his spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad later that season where he truly announced himself, snaring 4 wickets for 37 runs. This performance wasn’t just about the wickets; it was about his composure under pressure and his variations that bamboozled experienced batsmen.

Thakur’s playing style is characterized by his ability to bowl effectively across all phases of an innings. With the new ball, he can generate subtle swing, while in the middle overs, his tight lines and cutters restrict scoring. However, it’s in the death overs where he truly shines. His repertoire of slower balls, wide yorkers, and bouncers makes him a formidable challenge for even the most aggressive finishers. His calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, has earned him the trust of his captains and the admiration of fans, making him a genuine asset in any T20 setup.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Yash Thakur’s IPL journey has, so far, been exclusively with the Lucknow Super Giants. He was acquired by LSG in the IPL 2023 auction for his base price of ₹45 Lakhs. This proved to be a shrewd investment by the franchise, as Thakur quickly integrated into their bowling attack. In his debut season (2023), he played 9 matches, picking up 11 wickets, including a crucial 4-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His economy rate of 8.67 was commendable for a bowler often operating in the powerplay and death overs, showcasing his immediate impact.

His strong debut season ensured his retention by the Super Giants for IPL 2024. He continued to be a key component of their pace battery, featuring in 10 matches and once again bagging 11 wickets. The highlight of his 2024 campaign was a sensational 5-wicket haul for just 30 runs against Gujarat Titans, a performance that showcased his match-winning potential and ability to dismantle a batting lineup. This spell was instrumental in securing a vital win for LSG. His consistent wicket-taking ability, despite a slightly higher economy in 2024 (8.81), solidified his position as a reliable option for the franchise, leading to his likely retention for the 2026 season as a trusted death-overs specialist.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

For bettors looking for value, Yash Thakur presents an intriguing profile. His primary strength lies in his wicket-taking ability, particularly in the death overs. He’s not always the most economical, but he consistently finds ways to break partnerships, making him a strong candidate for ‘Most Wickets’ bets in specific matches, especially when LSG is defending a total or playing on pitches that offer some assistance to pace variations.

• Wicket-Taking Prowess: With 22 wickets in 19 IPL matches, his career strike rate of 18.27 suggests he’s a genuine wicket-taker. Bet on him for ‘Over X.5 Wickets’ when he’s expected to bowl his full quota, particularly in the later stages of the tournament or on challenging surfaces.
• Death Over Specialist: His variations (slower balls, cutters, wide yorkers) are highly effective against batsmen looking to accelerate. Consider ‘Player to take a wicket in overs 16-20’ props, as this is where he often delivers crucial blows.
• Big Game Performer: His 5-wicket haul in 2024 demonstrates his ability to step up in crucial matches, making him a dark horse for ‘Man of the Match’ bets in high-stakes encounters.

Weaknesses & Considerations:

• Economy Rate Volatility: While he takes wickets, his economy rate can sometimes creep up (8.75 career). Be cautious with ‘Under X.5 Economy Rate’ bets, especially on flat tracks or against teams with strong power-hitters at the top who can target his pace.
• Match-Up Dependency: He can be vulnerable against aggressive openers who target pace early in the powerplay. Check the opposition’s top order and their historical performance against medium-pacers before placing ‘First Wicket Taker’ bets.
• Conditions: He thrives on pitches that offer some grip or bounce, allowing his cutters and bouncers to be more effective. On true batting belters, his effectiveness can diminish, and he might be more expensive.

Overall, Thakur is a bowler to watch for wicket-taking markets. His match-winning spells make him a high-impact player, and understanding his role and the conditions can unlock significant betting opportunities.

Key Records & Milestones

• First player from Vidarbha to take a 5-wicket haul in the Indian Premier League.
• Recorded his career-best IPL figures of 5/30 against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024, becoming the first Lucknow Super Giants bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul.
• One of only a handful of uncapped Indian pacers to claim a five-wicket haul in IPL history.
• Holds the record for the best bowling figures by an LSG bowler in an IPL match (5/30).
• Reached 10 IPL wickets in just 8 matches, showcasing a rapid impact in his debut season.

IPL Season Highlights

IPL 2024: The Five-Star Performance
Yash Thakur’s 2024 season was highlighted by a truly sensational performance against the Gujarat Titans. On April 7, 2024, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, he ripped through the GT batting line-up, claiming a magnificent 5 wickets for just 30 runs in his 3.5 overs. This included crucial dismissals of Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, and Rashid Khan, effectively derailing GT’s chase and securing a memorable 33-run victory for LSG. This spell marked his maiden IPL five-wicket haul and the first ever for the Lucknow Super Giants franchise, cementing his place in their history.

IPL 2023: Announcing His Arrival
In his debut season, Thakur quickly made an impression. A standout performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 13, 2023, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. He picked up 4 wickets for 37 runs, including the key wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad, helping LSG restrict SRH to 182/6 and secure a comfortable 7-wicket win. This match showcased his ability to handle pressure and deliver crucial breakthroughs, proving his worth as a valuable asset for the Super Giants right from his inaugural season.